As I continue to check off my Goodreads goals, and figure out which book to read next, I sometimes have to remind myself why exactly do I keep doing this? What are the benefits of reading books? For over a decade now, I’ve made it mandatory to always have a book I’m actively reading, even if I don’t have time to read it every day. And thanks to this habit, I’ve read some amazing works. But living such a busy life causes one to audit their time, and consider which hobbies are worth it and which ones aren’t.
Thankfully, reading won’t be on the chopping block any time soon. However, I felt it necessary to remind myself why exactly I love reading so much by writing this piece. This article was originally an entry in my journal, and I’ve chosen to adapt it as a post here on Redital. Be sure to add your own commentary in the comments below.
Why I Read Books – The Benefits of Reading Books
For the Escapism
My real life is stressful. It’s full of pain, pressure, and anxiety. That’s why I love nothing more than losing myself in the pages of a story, whether it’s real or fictional. Reading allows me to visit different worlds and realities. Ones where I’m not sick, and where I don’t have to bear the weight of the consequences. Of course, it’s also important not to neglect your real life at the same time.
For the Craft
For me, it’s not just about the story being told. Sometimes it’s also about how the author expresses their ideas. I appreciate excellent word choice and unique phrasing. Consuming different styles of writing is important to me as a reader. There may be a set syntax that books need to be published in, but each writer has a distinctive style that makes them stand out, and I enjoy seeing how everyone accomplishes their goal of expressing events to the reader.
Reading Helps Me Visualise Things Better Than Speech / Audiobooks
There may be many out there who don’t agree with this one, but I believe a fair number of readers will. Many people have often recommended audiobooks to me as a way to enjoy literature when physically reading isn’t possible. I’ve often tried audiobooks, but for some reason, I cannot visualize a story through audio as well as I can by reading words. Reading words on a page just works better for my imagination. I can’t explain why this is the case, but I’m sure there’s some scientific reason why. Some people have an audiobook brain, and some have a book brain.
I’ll take this a step further and say that I’m able to be far more immersed in a book than in a movie or TV show. I would rather read the book of a specific IP before watching the movie. And I’d rather read the manga before the anime.
Seeing the written word stimulates my brain like nothing else.
Because the Only Subject In School That Kept Me Engaged Was English
So, here’s a confession. I believe I had a learning disability in school. Paying attention during my lessons was something my brain didn’t allow me to do. Whether this was ADD, ADHD, or some spectrum disorder, who knows? All I know is that I zoned out through most of my lessons at primary and secondary school, and I suffered the consequences. However, there was just one lesson that I could pay full attention in. And that was English. Particularly, the lessons focused on literature. I came to enjoy those classes where we had to review Of Mice and Men and Romeo and Juliet. English was also my highest GCSE level.
Quite simply, I think my brain was designed to consume books and discuss them afterward.
Books Have the Power to Affect Me Emotionally
I’m known for being stoic and somewhat emotionless. In actuality, I’m a master at hiding my emotions. When it comes to books, the right one can touch me in a way that not many mediums can. Examples of books that have touched me on an emotional level are The Goblet of Fire (I was fourteen at the time to be fair), The Vegetarian, Norwegian Wood, The Wind-up Bird Chronicle, and A Brief History of Seven Killings.
Maybe I didn’t cry after reading them, but I remember experiencing a lasting feeling of sadness after finishing each of these books. Some may think that’s a bad thing, but when a book can touch you that deeply, I believe the writer did a phenomenal job.
Books Help to Build Empathy
Reading books forces readers to understand the thoughts and feelings of others through creative means. Understanding characters while reading stories, and becoming emotionally involved with them vicariously is the key to developing empathy. Reading also sharpens one’s critical thinking skills, which come in handy throughout your daily life, without you even realizing it.
It Takes My Mind Off Of My Chronic Pain
If you have some form of chronic illness, then maybe you’ll understand this. I was born with a chronic illness that causes frequent painful episodes. Thus, I have found much comfort in movies, TV shows, video games, and of course reading. Reading engages the brain so intimately that it helps to block out the pain, at least for a little while.
I have fond memories of being in hospital suffering when The Order of Phoenix released. My mother brought the book for me, and throughout my hospital stay, I lived vicariously through those pages. I was in intense pain and suffering, but the desire to know how Harry and his friends would best Professor Umbridge gave me the strength to suffer through the pain. I was barely strong enough to hold up the massive hardback book in my arms, but I did it, because the story was that engrossing to me.
Books are painkillers!
Reading Boosts Your Vocabulary
This is no myth. When a period of time passes without me reading, my vocabulary worsens. It feels like running out of fuel in the tank.
I’ve never been the best speaker, writing comes easier for me. But when I’m reading in abundance, I feel that both my speech and writing improve. I find optimal words far easier. I can communicate ideas with precision. Fewer filter words are needed for me to make a point. Any career writer will tell you that reading is essential for maintaining their career.
It doesn’t have to be books. Magazines, articles, academic papers, journals, video games with subtitles, or anything that involves the physical act of reading helps to fuel your vocabulary.
